Darren Simpson Says Goodbye To 947

He’s been on the station for an incredible 14 years but in a shock announcement, Darren Simpson has revealed that he is bidding farewell to 947. The star relocated to Cape Town earlier this year and took over KFM’s breakfast slot and it seems the pressure to produce two major three-hour shows was too much. Although this is goodbye to 947, Darren will continue to host his new breakfast show on KFM.

Darren joined 947 in 2003, as ‘Whackhead’ and pioneered one of the most successful radio prank series in the world. His annual CDs have sold over half a million copies, with proceeds going to the 947 Hear for Life Trust. In 2010, he took over the breakfast show which was rebranded as the Breakfast Xpress and he won over the city with his approachable, authentic humour and heart.

Over the years, Darren has created some incredible radio moments. His daily pranks became a highlight for many kids travelling to school, he sent Baby Calum to Boston, hosted a radiothon which won a Liberty Radio Award, and ticked off the items on a terminally ill young man’s bucket list in the weeks before he died.

“I’m so proud of what I have achieved at 947 – I have been able to practice my profession at the highest level in South Africa with the Breakfast Xpress. Rising to the challenge of the hosting breakfast on 947 has been my greatest honour, and getting to do it all over again on Kfm in the Cape is a rare and thrilling opportunity for me,” Darren said in a statement.

Naturally, 947 is devastated at the loss of the radio legend. “Darren has brought so much to 947 over the years – from being the fall guy who we could always rely on to do crazy things that would make the audience laugh, to his pranks, which are truly world class, and ultimately as a radio professional, who has worked more than his requisite 10 000 hours to achieve his followers and his success,” said 947 station manager Ravi Naidoo.

However, although one chapter closes, another opens and Darren is excited about his future with KFM. “I have loved the last six months getting to know the Cape – it has invigorated my love for radio, said Darren. Cape Town is my new home and I am beyond excited by the challenge of building a new, successful show on Kfm that listeners turn to, and they deserve my full attention.”

Filling the void in 947’s drive-time slot from January 2018 will be the dynamic duo that is Greg and Lucky. The team have had a phenomenal run on the station and their charisma and chemistry has proven to be popular with listeners around Gauteng. “Greg and Lucky started on Sunday nights, then week nights 7-10pm and worked their way into their current midday show where they have been thriving,” said Naidoo. “Their approach to their audience, and to delivering great content, is exciting and it’s a real honour to promote them into a drive time slot – we’re looking forward to working with them to make excellent radio in the afternoons.”

Meanwhile 947 has announced that their approach changes slightly in 2018 where there will be more musical content between the two drive shows. Beats@Work, a presenterless, request-driven music show will kick off the work morning between 09h00 and 10h00, followed by Ayanda MVP whose show will run from 10h00 to 15h00. There will be a second session of Beats@Work from 15h00 to 16h00, followed by Afternoon Drive with Greg and Lucky.